Upcoming Race To Honor Beloved Tarrytown Native

The mainstay of her family, community and the school system, Robin Birrittella had a heart of gold that pumped through and through countless lives.

A loving mother of three, Birrittella and her sheer kindheartedness helped shape the tight-knit community of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow.

Residents will commemorate the memory of one of its favorite daughters with a 5k run in support of Birrittella, who died of cancer on Aug. 14 of 2010.

“She made such an immense impact on the village and the school, she will never be forgotten,” said Lisa King, who is co-organizing the event alongside Karen Doyle.

“She’s done so much for so many... This is the least I could do for Robin and her family. This is for her.  She was such a presence in the community... We want to make this day for her and dedicate it to her everlasting memory.”

The first annual Robin Birrittella memorial is slated for Sept. 10. The race will feature a “kids fun run” at 8:30 a.m. followed by the main event — a 5K and a one mile walk at 9 a.m. Registration begins  at 7 a.m.

King, like many others, is expecting to establish the inaugural event in the hopes of making it an annual occurrence.

Birrittella was known throughout the villages for her relentless support, vivacity, and outgoing personality.

She was an highly-reputable member business community, establishing her niche as a real estate broker. She was active in the field for 18 years, working at Prudential Rand Realty, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage and John P Streb & Son (in Willington, Conn.) prior to her career with Legends Realty.

She was a highly-decorated in her trade. She was named “One of the Top 500 Most Powerful Women in Real Estate and Relocation” by RISmedia.

Birrittella received multiple awards and high recognition from the Westchester County Board of Realtors (WCBR).

Through her position, Birrittella was able to establish lasting bonds with people in Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow.

With her immense skill and proficiency in the real estate world, Robin was able to contribute on village boards that deal partially with housing.

Birrittella was a member Tarrytown Village Hall Task Force in the 90s. She also made an impact in the the Moderate Income Housing Committee. She was a member of the Architectural Review Board during a period from 1998 to 2001. She additionally worked with Tarrytown Mayor Drew Fixell on the ARB. 

In addition to all of this, Birrittella was a positive influence on athletics programs. King was sifting through an old folder when she read a heartfelt letter from Birrittella thanking her for a memorable season as the modified volleyball coach.

Her relentless support for Sleepy Hollow athletics was one of the many driving forces behind King and Karen Doyle’s decision to orchestrate this memorial race.

 “Robin was so involved in athletics and the community that a community sporting event made sense,” explained Doyle. "Robin and (her husband) Mitch were always walking together through the Crest. That’s why we decided to have the race start and finish there.”

 All registration fees will go to the Livestrong foundation. King, who coaches varsity track at Sleepy Hollow High School, is representing this charity when she runs the upcoming New York City Marathon.

Sponsors and additional family donations will be set aside for a scholarship in Birrittella’s name. The scholarship will be awarded to a class of 2012 senior who displays excellence in both academics and athletics.

For more information about the First Annual Robin Birrittella Memorial 5K Run/Walk kindly visit www.robinbmemorial.com.